Perceptions of drinkers and abstainers in a sample of Scottish adults

Following Davies and Stacey's investigation (1972, Teenagers and Alcohol, HMSO, London) into perceptions of drinking and abstaining among Scottish teenagers, this study extended their general method to an investigation of the perceptions of 239 Scottish adults. Results showed that the stereotypes of the heavy drinker as 'tough and rebellious' and the abstainer as 'weak and cissy' persist into adulthood. Heavy drinkers were seen as low on 'sociability' and 'sexual attractiveness' and abstainers were seen as less 'sociable' than moderate drinkers. There was also some evidence of a 'double standard' in perceptions of male and female drinking roles. Other findings concerning the effects on perceptions of subjects' sex and drinking behaviour are compared to those reported in the earlier study and implications for the treatment of alcohol problems are discussed. It is concluded that the dimensions described by Davies and Stacey represent a relatively stable structure within future research where fresh initiatives in alcohol education may be located.